Kennel Technician / Training Assistant

Job Summary

Love dogs? Looking for a career—not just a job?

Rocket Dog Academy is seeking a dependable, hardworking Kennel Technician / Training Assistant to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to build a career in the professional dog industry by learning the foundations of canine care, handling, and training support.

This is NOT a Dog Trainer position. This role is focused on kennel operations, dog handling, cleanliness, and assisting our training staff. Advancement opportunities are available for employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional work ethic, professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to learning.

What You'll Do

• Maintain exceptional kennel cleanliness and sanitation standards.

• Safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments.

• Feed, water, exercise, and monitor dogs in our care.

• Assist trainers with daily operations and dog handling.

• Observe canine body language and report behavioral or health concerns.

• Maintain an organized, safe, and professional facility.

• Work efficiently while paying close attention to detail.

• Communicate professionally with coworkers and supervisors.

Qualifications

• At least one year of professional dog handling experience is strongly preferred.

• Comfortable working around dogs with behavioral challenges.

• Familiarity with balanced training methods is preferred.

• Experience using or willingness to learn proper use of:

• Flat collars

• Slip collars

• Prong collars

• Remote (E-) collars

• Long lines and standard training equipment

• Comfortable using food rewards, toy/play motivation, and marker-based training concepts.

• Able to recognize canine body language and stress signals.

• Physically able to lift, bend, walk, stand, and handle active dogs throughout the day.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Dependable and punctual.

• Honest, accountable, and self-motivated.

• Detail-oriented with high cleaning standards.

• Comfortable working independently while contributing to a team.

• Willing to learn and accept coaching.

• Passionate about dogs and committed to providing excellent care.

Schedule & Expectations

This position requires a consistent work schedule and reliable attendance. We are looking for someone who makes their work a priority and understands the importance of showing up on time, prepared, and ready to contribute every day.

Employees may occasionally trade shifts with coworkers when approved and when business needs allow, but reliability and consistency are essential.

Growth Opportunities

This position is intended to be a foundational role lasting approximately 6–12 months. Employees who consistently demonstrate outstanding work ethic, professionalism, initiative, and performance may be offered additional education, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement within Rocket Dog Academy.

If This Sounds Like You...

If you're looking for a place where hard work is recognized, dogs come first, and there is room to grow professionally, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume along with a brief description of your experience working with dogs and why you're interested in joining Rocket Dog Academy.

Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable safely handling dogs of different breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments, including dogs with behavioral challenges?
• Are you comfortable working with dogs that may bark, pull, jump, show reactivity, or require careful handling?
• Brief description of your experience working with dog.
• Are you physically able to stand, walk, bend, lift, and safely handle active dogs throughout your shift?
• This position requires a consistent schedule, reliable attendance, and arriving on time prepared to work. What days and hours are you consistently available each week, including weekends and evenings? Are there any ongoing commitments that could affect your availability or attendance?
• Are you available to work weekends, evenings, and shifts lasting 8 to 10 hours? Please provide the specific days and times you are consistently available each week.

Experience:

• Professional Dog Handling: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person